Counselor - Southampton Street Shelter (Homeless Services Bureau)

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Boston Public Health Commission

Posted 3 months ago

Full Time

Boston, Massachusetts

In Person

Smart Summary

Responsibilities

Ensure the safety and stability of the shelter environment by monitoring guests, managing supplies, and de-escalating conflicts. Provide administrative support through accurate record-keeping and facilitate guest care through professional relationship building.

Qualifications

You have an Associate of Science Degree or a High School Diploma/GED with one year of related experience. You are required to have experience working with diverse ethnic, racial, and low-income populations, and possess strong written and verbal skills. A valid Massachusetts driver's license is also required.

Must Have Skills for ATS

trauma informed care

restorative justice

health equity

Spanish speaking

Massachusetts driver's license

Job Description

Since 1983 the Commission's Homeless Services Bureau has provided emergency shelter, workforce development, and housing services to individuals experiencing a crisis of homelessness with the goal of making homelessness in Boston rare, brief, and one time. We are one of the largest shelter providers in New England, running two emergency shelters, which operate 24 hours a day 365 days a year, and providing more than 5,000 homeless individuals annually with food, beds, lockers, emergency clothing, health care, case management, and housing services. We use a housing first framework and principles of trauma informed care, restorative justice, and health equity to people move from homelessness to housing as quickly as possible.

Duties

  • Ensures overall safety of guests and shelter environment. Performs rounds throughout the unit. Searches clients for contraband upon arrival in unit.
  • Intervenes to de-escalate conflict situations, anticipating potential conflict situations and intervening prior to crisis.
  • Develops positive professional relationships with guests to facilitate care.
  • Maintains stable environment by ensuring compliance with rules and individual service plans.
  • Monitors and serves meals, coordinates food and other supplies, and supervises clean up after meals. Monitors and distributes linen and clothing supplies for guests.
  • Attends required meetings and training sessions.
  • Provides phone coverage, as necessary.
  • Performs various administrative tasks such as maintaining accurate records, recording log notes and data entry.
  • Performs other duties as required.
Qualifications
  • Associate of Science Degree OR High School Diploma / GED and 1 year of related experience.
  • Experience working with addicted and mentally ill populations preferred.
  • Experience working with diverse ethnic, racial, and low-income populations required.
  • Able to follow directions and work harmoniously with staff and guests.
  • Computer literacy preferred. Strong written and verbal skills required.
  • Bi-Lingual/Spanish speaking preferred
  • Valid, active Massachusetts (MA) driver's license and good driving record required. Applicants who do not possess a valid MA driver's license are eligible for hire but must obtain a valid, active MA driver's license within the first six (6) months of employment and thereafter maintain such license as conditions of employment."

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Boston Public Health Commission

Welcome! We’re Boston’s public health department. We work in partnership with communities to protect and promote the health and well-being of all Boston residents, especially those impacted by racism and systemic inequities. We envision a thriving Boston where all residents live healthy, fulfilling lives free of racism, poverty, violence, and other systems of oppression. Equity. Collaboration. Anti-Racism. People-Centered. Transparency. These values drive our public health work and shape how we support and empower our employees every day. Through our policies, programs, and services, we strive to eliminate health disparities based on race, ethnicity, income, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and neighborhood. We support residents and families with over 40 programs and services that meet community needs across our neighborhoods and lifespan, including accessible community-based health and social services; community engagement and advocacy; health-promoting policies and regulations; disease and injury prevention; emergency services; and health promotion and education services. We are equally committed to investing in our people by fostering an inclusive and empowering work environment where everyone can grow, contribute and make an impact. As the nation's oldest health department, with roots dating back to 1799, our work has evolved from the needs of then to the needs of now. We provide and support accessible, high-quality community-based health services and programming, education and resources to build a healthy Boston. We are a group of dedicated neighbors and community members ready to meet the moment and deliver a safer, healthier Boston for our residents. Join us and grow your career in a workplace that values innovation, equity, and professional development. Explore career opportunities at careers.bphc.org.
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